Indulge in the rich flavors of tender sirloin steak, vibrant bell peppers, and savory seasonings with our Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe. This dish offers the perfect combination of convenience and taste, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious slow cooker dish, along with some helpful tips, variations, and keto-friendly options.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 bell peppers, large dice or sliced (ideally use a mix of colors)
- 1 onion, large dice or sliced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth, divided
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, place the sliced sirloin steak, diced bell peppers, and sliced onion.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Steak: Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker and mix it with an additional tablespoon of cornstarch. Return the mixture to the slow cooker and stir well. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak hot over cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Slice Meat Thinly: To ensure tender and flavorful steak, slice it thinly against the grain before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor, or increase the brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
- Add Heat: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia to reduce the carb content.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Pepper Steak over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice to keep it keto-friendly.
Low-Carb Version:
- Omit the brown sugar entirely or replace it with a small amount of monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb count.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to further reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of meat? A: Yes, you can use flank steak or skirt steak in place of top sirloin if desired. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as these cuts may cook faster.
Q: Can I add other vegetables? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas for additional flavor and nutrients.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and assemble the dish in the slow cooker insert ahead of time. Simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with our Slow Cooker Pepper Steak recipe. With its tender sirloin steak, colorful bell peppers, and flavorful sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort. Whether you’re following a keto diet, craving a low-carb option, or simply looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, this recipe has you covered. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to savor the delicious taste of our Slow Cooker Pepper Steak!
